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FAQs on Chiton Identification
Related Articles: Chitons,
Mollusks, Sea Slugs,
Related FAQs: Chitons 1, Chitons
2,& FAQs on: Chiton Behavior,
Chiton Compatibility, Chiton Selection,
Chiton Systems, Chiton Feeding,
Chiton Disease, Chiton Reproduction
& Mollusks,
Sea Slugs, Sea Slugs,
Marine Snails 1, Marine Snails 2,
Marine Snails 3, | 
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Worm ID Please – Friend or Foe? That’s No Worm! That's a
Chiton: Friend! 7/21/09
Hi Guys
<Hi Jim, Lynn here this morning.>
Great site!
<Thanks!>
I have found most answers to my queries on your web site but I can't
identify this little chap. Can you help?
<I sure can. What you’re seeing is a grazing Chiton/Polyplacophoran.
They’re harmless/beneficial, nocturnal, herbivorous grazers of hard
surfaces. Please see the following links for more information:
http://bb.wetwebmedia.com/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=298&p=3108#p3108
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/chitonidf.htm (also see associated links at
the top)>
Thanks
<You’re very welcome.>
Jim
<Take care, LynnZ>
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What do you think these are? Chiton plates – 7/18/09
Hello Guys and Gals,
<Hello Andrew, Lynn here tonight.>
I just wonder if you might be able to shed some light on this subject
for me?
<Hope so!>
My reef tank has been up for almost 4 years now, and over this space of
time I have been finding these (pictured) items through the tank. Now to
my untrained eye they appear to be a beak of some sort, but I have no
triggers or beaked stock in my tank!
<They’re not beaks!>
I'm sorry I couldn't get clearer pictures, but my pokey little digital
was struggling to get these images.
<No worries, your photos are just fine.>
To me, they look like tiny little turtle beaks. The funny thing is, they
appear to be in pristine condition, with no rounding of any of the sharp
edges (some of which are very fine) that you would expect to see of any
item that's been rolling round the ocean floor for any length of time.
My second thought was that they may be coming from a piece of crumbling
rock, but all my rock is as hard in appearance as the day I put it in
the tank. My substrate is crushed aragonite, and has not been anywhere
near a real beach in hundreds if not thousands of years I suspect. Which
brings me to my actual question! What do you think these might be?
Turtle beaks?
<Nope, they’re the remains of a Chiton/Polyplacophoran (or several).
What you’re seeing are the individual plates (“valves”) that when the
animal was alive, overlapped each other along the dorsal/top surface of
the animal. Chiton plates are surrounded and held in place by a leathery
band called a girdle. Once the animal dies, the soft tissue and girdle
decompose, leaving behind 8 hard plates. At some point you must have had
at least one Chiton in your tank but unfortunately it/they didn’t make
it. You may still have others though! For more information on these neat
little creatures, please see the following links:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/chitonfaqs.htm
http://bb.wetwebmedia.com/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=298&p=3108&hilit=chiton#p3108
I know octopus beaks look a little like these, but are softer. These
specimens seem to be made up of the same stuff as human teeth (they
clink when tapped on glass).
<I always try to avoid that!>
Over the years, I've pulled roughly 8-10 of them out of my tank, in
varying sizes (most just like these) and would love to know what they
are!!
<Chiton plates!>
Thank you for your time.
<It was a pleasure!>
Andrew B
<Take care, LynnZ>
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Re: What do you think these are?
Chiton plates – 7/19/09
Lynn,
<Hey Andrew!>
Oh good lord, I never would have thought of that!
<That’s completely understandable. I only know because I’ve seen them
before.>
A quick Google image search showed exactly what you already knew.
<What we both know now!>
I can't believe how some of life's mysteries seem so logical when you know
the answer!
<Too true!>
As you state, I did indeed have Chitons in my tank at one time, and a rather
large one at that, though I would never have made that connection in a
million years!
<Well, the good news is that if anyone ever asks you about those, you’ll
know exactly what they are! The overall look and shape is distinctive.>
Thanks so much for your help.
<You’re very welcome.>
I'm almost a little embarrassed
<Well, I can assure you, knowing what those things are puts me right square
in the middle of fish-nerd territory so don’t be embarrassed, be glad!>
AB
<Take care, LynnZ> |
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Help with ID: Probably a Chiton -
Cryptochiton stelleri – 5/28/09
Dear WWM-Crew,
<Hello Alex, Lynn here today.>
I have a question regarding the identification of an unknown object that has
been found floating close to the shore in California. It has been posted on
a German website for identification and apparently left all users without a
clue. I thought that maybe one of you has seen something like it before and
can help. Picture can be found here:
http://www.meerwasser-lexikon.de/was_ist_kxMXbrrcbg . According to the
finder the object felt leathery on the outside and softer on the inside.
<My guess is that it’s the Polyplacophoran/Chiton “Cryptochiton stelleri”, a
known California species. Unlike most other Chitons, this sizeable species
doesn’t have any visible plates on the dorsal surface. They’re all enclosed
under a reddish to brown leathery hide known as the “mantle”. What I can see
of the underneath portion also supports this ID. That is, a thick
girdle/perimeter surrounding an elongate, light-colored foot. According to
the following link, these animals had a bit of a hard time in the 1990’s,
possibly due to disease. Apparently they were decomposing and washing up on
shore with a blotchy appearance, which sure does describe the look of the
one photographed. Please see the following links for photos and more
information:
http://www.wallawalla.edu/academics/departments/biology/rosario/inverts/
Mollusca/Polyplacophora/Cryptochiton_stelleri.html
Blotchy appearance discussed here:
http://www.wallawalla.edu/academics/departments/biology/rosario/
inverts/Mollusca/Polyplacophora/Cryptochiton_stelleri.html#Underside
Another photo showing a blotchy individual:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/224/469939595_30e5664827.jpg
Good photo showing foot, girdle, etc:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b4/Cryptochiton_stelleri_underside.jpg
>
Any help would be appreciated.
<Sure thing, hope that helps!>
Best regards, Alex
<Take care, LynnZ>
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http://www.meerwasser-lexikon.de/was_ist_kxMXbrrcbg |
Re: Help with ID: Probably
Cryptochiton stelleri – 5/28/09
<Hi Alex!>
That's great, Lynn!
<WooHoo!>
I have posted a short German summary (with a reference to you and WWM)
as well as your answer in the original at the link I submitted earlier.
<That’s great, thanks. The query should be available at the dailies
sometime in the next day or so, then archived in the FAQ’s.>
Thank you,
<You’re very welcome. It was my pleasure.>
I really was at a loss and every time I saw the photograph I wondered
what it might be.
<Heeheee! I laughed the first time I saw it because I thought it looked
like a baked ham stuffed with fois gras, studded with cloves - blech!>
I thought that it was a mollusk but had no idea where to start searching
as it was different from any I have seen so far
<Yep, they’re such odd looking creatures that unless you’d seen one
before, you’d be hard-pressed to tell it was a Chiton.>
..and obviously the Seaslug forum was the wrong place to search. ;-)
<Actually, there is a section there that covers Chitons, because they’re
commonly mistaken for sea slugs! Here’s the link:
http://www.seaslugforum.net/factsheet.cfm?base=chitons >
Thank you so much! Alex
<Again, it was a pleasure. Take care, LynnZ>
Strange Slug Creatures in Marine Tank 05/21/09
Hi
I hope you can help me by identifying two creatures I have adopted. The
photos I am attaching are of two creatures; one I queried with Bob F about a
year ago and have only just captured a picture of it, and the other is of a
strange creature I have just found on the underside of the rock a chili
coral is attached to that I have just purchased.
<I can't tell what this is because the powerhead is hiding most of it,
sorry. Please try to send a better pic.>
Hope you can ID them for me. The one in the plastic bag is the one I have
just unwillingly purchased, which I will be taking back tomorrow if it is
unsuitable for my reef tank.
<The one in the bag looks like a Chiton. Please see here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/chitonidf.htm>
Thank you
Angela
<Cheers,
Sara M.> |
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Re: Strange Slug Creatures in Marine Tank
05/21/09
Hi Sara
I also forgot to ask will the Chiton eat only nuisance algae or will it eat
my lovely leafy algae as well?
< I doubt it will eat your leafy algae... they feed more on algae,
bryozoans, diatoms and such that grow on surfaces.>
Thanks again
Angela.
<Best,
Sara M.>
Re: Strange Slug Creatures in Marine Tank
05/21/09
Hi Sara
Thanks for replying so rapidly I may keep the Chiton now I know it is safe.
Its quite an interesting little thing. I have attached the only pictures I
have of the other. I suppose I could have moved the powerhead but I didn't
want to disturb it. I haven't seen it for around a year now, but I was
still interested to know what it was.
<I'm sorry, but I honestly can't ID it from those photos. Obviously, it's a
Mollusca of some sort... that's about all I can tell.>
The last two pictures are of what looks to me like some kind of pink and
green anemone; this disappears into the rocks by day. Could you shed any
light on this please.
<This looks like a Majano anemone to me.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/anemidfaq16.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/anempt2.htm>
Thanks again.
Angela
<De nada,
Sara M.>
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Are These Baby Turbo Snails?
Chitons and Mystery Critter – 5/15/09
WWM Crew:
<Hello, Jesse>
I recently had an outbreak of Asterina starfish in my reef tank so I've been
paying close attention to my rock work and removing them as I see them.
<Not fun. Most of the time those little guys are harmless but if/when you
get too many or if you get a variety with a taste for your favorite coral -
yikes!>
While on starfish patrol I noticed an abundance of small (ant sized)
creatures I haven't seen on my rock work before. I removed a few and
photographed them...see attached.
<I see, thanks.>
They appear to be snail like, having a protective shell and a soft gooey
body.
<Hmmmm, crunchy on the outside, gooey in the middle. Sounds like a Baby Ruth
bar! Actually, what you have are harmless and beneficial little critters
commonly called Chitons, or more specifically, Polyplacophorans. This
particular variety is one I have in my tanks and has never caused any
problems. They’re herbivorous grazers of hard surfaces, stay small, and
apparently reproduce quite readily in captivity. All in all, they’re a
welcome addition to a reef tank. Here’s a photo of several of mine for
comparison (these are about 3mm long): http://bb.wetwebmedia.com/gallery/pic.php?mode=large&pic_id=126
. For more information on Chitons, please see the following WWM links,
starting here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/chitonfaqs.htm
http://bb.wetwebmedia.com/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=298&p=3108#p3108 >
I've also noticed that almost all of the 3-7mm sized snails in my tank have
white spots/growths on their shells. I have also attached a picture of this
but it's of poor quality.
<I’m sorry, but I can’t see the subjects well enough to be able to determine
what anything is. If you could take one out and get a more detailed photo
that would be super. If you could get photos from several angles, including
the opening it would be even better!>
Also, these creatures only come out at night,
<If you mean the Chitons, that’s completely normal.>
..the same time as the baby snails with the spots on them. What do you think
these creatures are, and are they a threat to my reef tank?
<I doubt it, but it's always nice to be able to confirm that. Have you
noticed any sort of damage/sign of trouble? Do try to get some additional
photos of these critters and we’ll see if we can’t figure out what they
are.>
Thank you in advance,
<You’re very welcome. I look forward to solving the remaining snail
mystery!>
Jesse
<Take care, LynnZ>
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Crustacean ID 4/27/2009
Hi
<Hello>
I have been Googling all over the place to try to identify a sort of
strange crustacean I came across today.
I'm not sure if you can help with identification and if so can I send
you a photo?
<Sure. Please get shots from a few different angles. Do keep the image
size to a few hundred kilobytes or less.>
If not, could you point me in the direction of someone who might?
<You may want to give this page, as well as the links on the top of this
page a look:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/inverts/arthropoda/crustace.htm >
Many thanks
<My pleasure>
Marisa
<MikeV.>
Re: Crustacean ID 4/27/2009
Thanks Mike
<Hi Marisa, my pleasure>
I carried on Googling and eventually identified it as a giant Chiton /
Dinoplax Gigas.
<Neat>
I'd never seen anything like it before and thought maybe it was an alien
/ living prehistoric creature / stone come to life,
<In a way, it sort of is.>
so I just had to make sure.
Thanks anyway!
<No Problem>
Marisa
<MikeV>
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Nudi/Worm ID? 10/6/08
Hello Everyone at WWM!
<Art>
Yet again I find that I need some advice, or, at least an ID of some
sort... A few days ago I found this creature crawling around my 55
Gallon Reef Tank. I looked up the worm FAQ and had no luck. Whatever
this thing is, it seems to be sensitive to light. If I have the
lights off and shine a light on it, it quickly retracts into
wherever it is anchored to. Another thing is, I've never seen it in
it's entirety. So it could be a few inches long, or ...? The top of
it has several "openings"
<"Polyplacophora">
I guess you
could call them, but I haven't been able to keep it in the open long
enough to see if they actually open.
It's kinda freaking me out.
I was thinking a Nudibranch of some sort, but it looks like nothing
in your 6 or so Nudibranch ID pages. Please help! I appreciate any
info you can give me!
-Art Perez
<Is a Chiton... not harmful.
Please read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/chitonidf.htm
Bob
Fenner> |
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Please help with ID: Cryptoplax sp. Chiton - 8/24/08
Hello,
<Hi there, Lynn here this evening.>
I have a good one for you, I was
looking in my tank this weekend and found one of these buggers sticking
out of a rock (see attached pic).
<Neat!>
I think without a reason
of a doubt that it is a cute of some sort,
<I can see why you’d think
that, but it’s actually a Polyplacophoran, aka a Chiton – likely
Cryptoplax larvaeformis. Please see the photo at this link for
comparison/confirmation:
http://www.poppe-images.com/lab/image_info.php?picid=500244
More
here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/mollusca1.htm >
..but just wanted to
know what the heck it is so I can find out if it’s best to get it out
and/or what it needs to eat to survive.
<These are herbivores/mostly
algae grazers, reef safe, and nocturnal. I’d leave it.>
I was lucky
enough to find a bunch of them DOA in a friend’s live rock shipment so I
could get good pic’s of them (my camera can't take photos in dark
areas).
<Nice photo/very helpful, thanks!>
I tried to see if
anyone in my local salt club (TCMAS) knew what it was but didn't get
anything more than what I knew. They have a series of armored plates on
their backs that aren’t connected or overlapping. The rest of the body
was soft. The live one I saw in my tank looked exactly like these guys
but was a sandy tan instead of reddish (think due to the fact that they
were mostly dried out when I found them).
<They can vary a bit in
color as well, but no matter. If what you have looks like what’s in the
photo, then it’s either Cryptoplax larvaeformis (a not uncommon
hitchhiker) or another specie in the same genus.>
I tried to find a
pic of these guys on Google, but to no avail.
Thanks for all your
help.
<You’re very welcome! For more information on Chitons in
general, please see this link:
http://bb.wetwebmedia.com/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=298&p=3108#p3108
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Polychaete worm photo... Chiton 8/5/08
Hello,
?????????
<Mich with you today.>
Thanks for the awesome service you provide to
reef keepers everywhere.
<On behalf of Bob and the crew, you're
welcome!>
I have had my 125 gallon reef setup for about 5 years now.
<Very nice!>
One on my favorite things to do in the evening is to see
what I can find among my live rock,
<Heehee! Mine too!>
well I
found a strange looking worm. It is about 3/4 of and inch wide and am
not sure how long it is. I have watched it extend about 4 inches from
the rock without ever revealing its end. Attached is a picture of the
head or front of it. I appears to have a pink triangle-shape on its head
and its body is black and green. I hope you can help me identify this
worm.
<It is a Chiton.>
I know its not harmful,
<You are
correct.>
I just want to learn more.
<Glad to hear! Something to
start you!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiton
http://home.inreach.com/burghart/ >
I have scoured the Internet and
nothing looks similar.
<Heehee! Hard to learn about what you can't
ID, eh?
The picture I attached is of the top of its head. Thanks
<Welcome! Enjoy your newly identified friend!
Cheers,
Mich> | 
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Please Help! (Live Rock Hitchhiker Paranoia) – 03/04/08
So I got
a piece of live rock from a guy on my local board (San Diego) and I
immediately identified some Asterina anomala.
<<Mmm, yes…a
controversial genus/species. Some folks swear they consume their
corals…others swear they have no problems at all with them>>
And
tonight I saw this guy near a piece of encrusting Montipora that appears
to be receding. I was bummed before that I didn't dip and quarantine the
rock and now I am even more scared.
<<Dip? As in “freshwater dip?”
Quarantine, sure… Cure if necessary, you bet… But “dip” as a
prophylactic treatment for live rock? Not how I would treat “my” rock.
Seems such a waste to spend the money on live rock only to destroy so
much of the emergent life on/in with a freshwater or medicated dip>>
I am picking out everything I see.
<<Really? Everything? Just because
you found an Asterina spp starfish? Don’t you think you might be
overreacting? If you are certain an organism is harmful is one thing,
but otherwise, you are defeating much of the purpose of introducing the
rock in the first place (bio-diversity)>>
Can I get an ID on this guy
please? I think the red dot on him is a result of the tweezers but he is
flat (so I thought flat worm) and has an obvious spine looking thing
running down its back. The worm or whatever it is hard and curls up like
a roly-poly out of the water.
<<The pictures are not good at all… But
from what I can discern, and from your description, I’m fairly certain
this is a Chiton (do a keyword search and see what you think), a
beneficial algae/diatom scavenger…and certainly nothing to be fearful of
re your livestock>>
What are the odds that there are more of these,
this guy is 4mm in length?
<<The odds are very good there are more…if
you are lucky [grin]>>
Thank you!
Mike
<<Happy to share, Mike.
Relax and enjoy/study the emergent life in/on your rock…most does turn
out to be a “good” thing. Regards, EricR>> |  
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What is this and what is it doing? -Chiton ID 01/30/2008
I was
looking into my 75 gallon reef tank this evening, and noticed this very
odd looking creature sticking out of a hole in my rock, secreting long
strings of fluid into the water. I didn't have my camcorder handy, but I
had my camera and was able to capture some video - albeit not the
clearest. I am providing a link to the video clip instead of attaching
it because of its size.
http://www.vjnexus.com/aquarium/thing_in_tank.wmv
<Cool video...
looks like a spawning Chiton.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/chitonfaqs.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/chitonidf.htm>
The creature appears to
have a plated backside, and has been secreting this white liquid for
over ten minutes now. He is about an inch in length, and has the same
coloration as coralline algae. I do not recognize what this is, and was
hoping you may have some insight into this whole occurrence. Is this
something I should remove? Is it attempting to fertilize?
<It looks
like a Chiton which is spawning while grazing on your rock. I doubt
there's any real need to remove it unless you think it's hurting/eating
something you don't want it to.>
Okay, I just went back to the tank
to look again, and now the snail (which can be seen in the upper portion
of the attached photo) has also started secreting a white fluid. Is this
the mating practice?
<It is most likely spawning, which I suppose
you could consider a type of "mating.">
Is that other creature just a
funky looking snail?
<No, looks like a Chiton.>
Or is it
coincidence that both animals started secreting one after another?
<Maybe, maybe not. Sometimes the spawning of one animal can "inspire"
the spawning of the other. Or, they could both be stress spawning from
the same stressor.>
Thanks for any input,
Josh
<De nada,
Sara M.> | 
Bingo. RMF
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Hitchhiker ID 10/16/07
Hello to whoever is on, thanks for all
your WWM work. Just got a few boxes of new Tonga live rock this
morning. I found this slug-like hitchhiker at the bottom of one of
the boxes. It's about 6" long and 1" wide, and made it alive through
36 hours in transit. I've looked at the invert pictures on the site,
and can't quite find it. It looks something
like a Chiton,
<Is>
but there is no bony/plate-like top.
<Covered...>
It
is not colorful the way most sea slugs seem to be. Kind of like a
snail without a shell, but I've never heard of such. He is alive,
and trying to crawl out of the plastic bin I have him in. Any ideas
what he might be? I'm pretty sure he's too big and ugly to put in my
tank, but if he's safe I might put him in quarantine or someplace
separate. Pictures are attached, one of him trying to crawl out, one
of his underside, one close up of his back when he curled up.
Thanks in advance for any ideas. He is like nothing I've seen
before.
Scott
<Sorry for the lateness of this reply. Please
read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/chitonfaqs.htm
Bob Fenner>
Re: Hitchhiker ID 10/16/07
Thanks for the reply. You
apologized for the lateness of the reply, but FYI, someone actually
did answer me within about 24 hours. We found a clear picture
somewhere else and did verify it's a chiton as well. So no worries.
Thank you!
<Real good. BobF> | 
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Help with identification
Hi, I'm trying to figure out what this
is. I found it my reef tank last night. I showed the photo to my LFS
and they told me it could be a Chiton, Cryptoplax or Stenoplax. I've
looked hard doing google searches to find exactly what it is to no
avail. Do you think it is reef safe? >From what I can tell so far it
grazes on algae.
Thanks in advance,
ART KOUNS
<It is definitely
a Chiton of some species... and reef safe enough (an algae eater. Bob
Fenner> | 
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Re: Help with identification
thanks, it narrows it down
slightly. at least i appears to be reef safe. it's kind of funny this
was the first time I've seen it being that my tank has been going for 2
years.
<Amazing, but happens "all the time"... and testimony to your
consistent good care. Bob Fenner> |
Chiton Questions 3/26/04
Hello Bob, I am a member at Reef
Aquarium Guide and I am trying to find information if there is possible
a bad hitchhiker Chiton that can arrive on live rock.
<hmm... Chitons
are overall very very "reef safe" as algae grazers. Limpets are often
confused with Chitons and can be predatory no reef animals. Are you sure
it is a Chiton?>
I have a 125 gallon reef . I watched as my post
prized zoanthids disappeared over a few days time. The rock is mostly
covered in coralline except where the polyps were at. I noticed a
bright pink to purplish bumpy spot on the rock. I watched the rock for
several days and the Chiton finally moved. I took the rock out
immediately and took the Chiton off.
<yes perhaps>
I had 2 huge
rock with polyps disappear in 2 days time. The Chiton was the only thing
on the rocks. Any info you can give me would be great. Vicki
<without a picture of the animal, there is not way for me to be able to
ID/confirm. There are many possible predators on your zoanthids. Do keep
an eye out for prosobranch snails instead of your suspect
polyplacophorid. Anthony>
Strange Critter ID Please: Chiton 5/10/07
Hello there!
<Hi Jo, Mich here!>
I know that you guys are really busy but I
was hoping you might be able to help me ID this critter.
<Certainly will try!>
We are currently setting up our second
reef tank. The LR is from Indonesia as far as I know and this
"thing" has showed up twice now, both times at night with all lights
off. It seems quite shy and retracts slowly back in its hole as soon
as the room light is put on. I find watching the LR and the
critters on it one of the best things in this hobby.
<Heee! Yes, I would agree. One of my favorite parts too! When I
was setting up my tank most people just didn't understand when I
would tell them how excited I was watching all the life emerge from
the LR. I would get comments, with undertones questioning my
sanity: "So you've spent the last hour staring at rocks?" >
We
had new forms of life coming up in our 2.5 years old reef right up
to the end and managed to ID most of them but this is really
unusual. Any thoughts? It is flesh colour and I thought it was some
sort of bivalve but it seems quite soft, a bit like an anemone.
<Looks like a Chiton to me. They are reef safe and generally graze
on algae. A lucky addition! Do enjoy it!>
Many thanks for your
time and looking forward to hearing from you soon
<Welcome! Mich>
Best regards,
Jo Vasey |
Re: strange critter ID please photo now added, Chiton
5/12/07
Hi Mich and thanks for the quick reply!
<Hi
Jo! You are quite welcome.>
Are Chitons what some call
"Stomatellas" (please forgive me if I've spelled this wrong)?
<No, they are two different critters and your photo is not a
picture of a Stomatella snail.>
I did a search on Google but
the critter doesn't look much like the search returned on Chiton
- the main difference being the lack of a shell on his back.
<Many different species, not all have the "classic" Chiton
look.>
The 2 black holes/openings look a little bit like
craters?
<I think you will find there are more than two
"holes", there are likely 8 "holes" or eight linearly arranged
overlapping articulating plates, which make up the shell on his
back.>
Any more thoughts?
<Nope, I still think it is a
Chiton. Please see similar photos here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/invertidfaqs.htm
Chiton ID
9/9/03
and here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/snailidfaq3.htm
Prehistoric
worm...errr...??????? 1/30/04>
I think I saw it last night
quite longer and stretched inside the rock which is very porous
and you can see through but could be wrong.
<Likely so, they
do tend to stay in the same location emerging typically at night
to feed. The behavior you described in your prior email is also
consistent with a Chiton.>
It is really bugging me now. My
LFS is kindly looking after my livestock during house move and
upgrading the tank. We are getting our corals back soon - I am
trying to decide if I should remove the piece of rock with the
critter to the sump where it won't be tempted to munch on
anything?
<Most are harmless algae eaters. If it were
me/mine, I would not be concerned.>
Many thanks again and
looking forward to hearing from you again!
<You're
welcome! Hope this gives you more confidence in the ID. Mich>
Best regards
Jo | Re:
strange critter ID please photo now added... Polyplacophoran
5/12/07
Hi Mich,
<Hello again Jo!>
Thanks for
the links.
<You're welcome!>
Yes, it looks very much
like the one in the first link and thanks God it's not 6" (yet!)
like the one in the second link.
<Heee!>
Thank you for
helping me ID it, I didn't mean to doubt you but my not very in
depth search on Google returned completely different images.
<I can appreciate and understand. And just found another photo
here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/invertid24.htm
Can you identify 3/16/2007 >
As for the 8 "holes" I did
think that there might be more than 2 but couldn't see properly
as it wouldn't come out of the rock enough to see properly.
<Yes, Chitons can be quite shy.>
I will continue to observe
it and will try to learn a bit more about its feeding habits.
<Excellent!>
Many thanks again!
<You're quite
welcome! A pleasure to assist! Mich>
Jo | .jpg)
|
Look's like a Chiton - about 6 inches... images an order of magnitude
too large... PLEASE> FOLLOW DIRECTIONS!!! – 2/26/07
I own a
copy of your book as it saved me when I first got my tank from making a
lot of mistakes. I have elevated my knowledge in the last year alone
and added two more tanks to my system and have used some GARF products
to help to boost my tanks performance.
<Brad, you've crashed our
server...>
We had a power outage for over 24 hours and I kept as
many of my fish alive as possible. In the end I lost two including a
black clown that was being eaten by a crab in the picture. I usually
would not let the crab eat a fish, but I wanted him to leave the
sluggish tired fish alone in the tank as my batteries had run out and a
generator was still hours away.
I found this critter doing a hot lap
past the crab and clown that appeared to be a Chiton. I was curious
though as it changed color to a darker brown and kind of green one
subsection at a time right as it approached the crab eating the fish. I
watched in anticipation, but in the end it just kept scooting on out of
site. I have never seen this guy before and he is fairly substantial in
size.
I took 32 pictures of this guy, these are some of the
clearer ones since I was shooting through the gals of the tank. I
didn't want to take him out since he appeared harmless to my tank
inhabitants. That is until proven guilty as I have been removing Zoos
from this tank since they were not fairing well for some reason?
Let
me know what you think,
Brad
<Is a Chiton. Bob Fenner> | 
|
Invert Ident: Woodlouse on Land = <Actually doesn't equal> Chiton by
Sea. 1/31/07
Hi Crew
<Hello Darren, Mich with you
today.>
First time questioner and marine newbie!
<Welcome to our
salty world!>
When re-arranging some rock in my recently set up 42
gal, I noticed a strange creature - about 1/4 - 1/2 inch long, pale
coloured with a yellowish end, slow moving and segmented like (and
reminiscent of) a woodlouse, although with no visible appendages.
<Hmm, very interesting. I have never heard of a woodlouse. I did a
search and now I can ID your critter. I had no idea there was something
so similar on both land and sea. What a world! You've got to love
it! What you have is a Chiton. For more info, please read here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiton >
Worth worrying about, or just another example of nature's diversity
imported on live rock!
Just another example of nature's incredible
diversity, a fine reef safe addition. Lucky you!
Thanks and keep up
the sterling work!
<You are quite welcome! Thanks for teaching me
something new today and for reminding me just how amazing life is on our
planet! -Mich>
Darren
Unknown creature... Chitons in
Cozumel 1/30/07
<Hi Tracy, Mich with you today.>
While vacationing in Cozumel Mexico we saw these strange creatures
attached to the rocks by the water. My Uncle is quite curious as we all
are what they are and the back ground on them, if you could help me.
<These are Chitons... living fossils.
You can find more
here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiton >
Thank You,
<You're welcome. -Mich>
Tracy
McCullin
Name that Invert :) ...In six notes or less: Chiton
5/23/07
Hi Crew
<Hi Jackie, Mich here!>
I was hoping you could help
me identify this invert that I purchased.
<Better to
ID first then purchase.>
I am very new to reef keeping and have
been researching every animal that I have. This one, I cannot find
anywhere. It seems kind of like an abalone in that it has 4 small
holes on top of its back.
<Hmm, Chitons typically have eight.>
However, it does not have a shell. More like a leathery smooth
back. I am enclosing a pic, but I apologize it isn't very
good. This is what I have observed. It is nocturnal. It is
grayish, brownish, green colored with dark brown stripes around it
on the fringe/feathery area (cerata?) below the mantle but above the
foot. Its shape is oblong with perhaps a bit of a point on its rear
end. It has two rhinophores (striated bulbs I think). It spends
almost all of its time on the live rock, but sometimes ventures to
the glass, stays low in the tank anyway. I have not seen it on the
substrate ever. It can retract its head into its mantle - when it
is resting or frightened it pulls itself into the mantle and appears
more circular/oval in shape. It can be somewhat flat (1/8th inch
perhaps), but have noted a few instances where the foot/ underside
seems to almost inflate such that it doubles in width. I have
trouble thinking it is a Nudibranch since all that I have seen
suggest they are quite colorful - this invert is almost hard to see
when it's on the rocks. It doesn't seem to have a shell even though
its top is smooth and seems thickish. Nothing else in the tank
bothers it. For the longest time it seemed to spend all its day
time resting in the crevice/cave that my Daum reef lobster hangs out
in during the day - oddly, since the lobster is very possessive of
it's lair and nothing else seems to be able to even approach it
without getting snapped at. It seems to feed off the rocks/glass
and I have not seen it bother any snails or my crab or clowns. It
rests upside down almost exclusively. It is about two inches long
and about half inch across, eighth inch width I guess. So I hope
this helps you to help me find out what this creature is.
<I believe you have a Chiton, though a limpet might also be a
possibility, but I'm leaning toward a Chiton. More here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/chitonfaqs.htm >
What is its
diet?
<Chitons are herbivores.>
Where does it
come from?
<Chitons are found in all seas.>
I tried to find
out more from where I got it at the pet store but I am now doubtful
of the knowledge of the staff there since they also sold me a sand
sifting tiger star and I have neither the substrate depth or tank
size to sustain it (I am going to try to exchange it).
<It is always best to do your own research before making any
purchases. Unfortunately, sand sifting stars typically starve to
death in captivity.>
My tank is 20 gallons. I have about 10
pounds live rock. Aragonite substrate about 1.5 inches. Rio Nano
Protein Skimmer. Aquaclear hang on filter with foam and carbon
inserts. Elite hush hang on filter with BioMax in place of
cartridge. T5 Glo Daylight and Actinic lighting. Tank occupants
are Red Mithrax Emerald Crab, Green Bubble Tip Anemone,
<Mmm, I
personally am not a big anemone fan. They like to go for walks at
the most inopportune time, which can spell disaster, especially in
such a small system.>
Daum's Reef Lobster (purple),
<Should
be in a larger tank, closer to 50 gallons.>
Two false Percula,
Sand Sifting Star, 3 Star Snails and one bumble bee snail that is
currently missing in action. Water parameters are all good.
<Vague.>
Using RO.
<Good.>
Salinity is 1.026. Temp is
80. Thanks for your help.
<Welcome! Please do get in the habit
of researching prior to purchasing. Mich>
Jackie |
Re: Name that Invert :) ...In six notes or less: Chiton
5/24/07
Hi Mitch
<Hi Jackie,
Mich with you again.>
Thank you for your prompt reply.
<Welcome!>
Please know that I have definitely learned a lot
of (hard) lessons since setting up my reef one month ago. Rest
assured that I will never purchase another animal for the tank
that I haven't researched in full.
<Glad to hear!>
I
was just taking the advice of the LFS staff who just said yes or
no to compatibility when I pointed to stuff in their show
tanks. The learning curve to marine tanks is steep.
<Yes,
there is always something more to learn.>
This site has been
a plethora of info for me.
<And everyone else!>
I agree
that the invert is likely a Chiton.
<OK.>
The thing
that bothered me about giving it that classification is that I
could not see eight holes on top and it does not have
identifiable plates.
<Some look fleshy or leathery.>
In fact last night I think I saw more like what looked like a
whorly type of lineage on its mantle top.
<Possible.>
It was on the front glass last night and I saw the bottom is
very smooth and very much like a Chiton. It has a fairly large
orifice for a mouth, with what looks like a red radula?
<OK.>
Thanks for your help.
<Welcome!>
Water
parameter last nights test Nitrates and Ammonia are somewhat
elevated at 5.0 and 0.25 respectively
<Zero for both is
optimal.>
(I think since I have been overfeeding in fear
that the sand sifting star will die before I can take it back)
<Shouldn't starvation is typically a slow death.>
Nitrites
0.00 and pH 8.2. Temp 80. Salinity 1.025 Have a bit of brown
algae still and some of it is a bit like hair. Substrate these
days looks a bit littered with rusty patches?
<Nuisance
algae, Likely Cyano/BGA.>
I feed HBH Flake Frenzy for the
two false percula and HBH Super Soft (about 5 pellets a
day). Every other day I give a quarter square of frozen Mysis
shrimp. (Which I try to squirt with a baster around the bubble
tip) Too much?
<Does sound like a hefty amount for a
twenty gallon tank.>
The clowns always look hungry.
<My
cats always look hungry too, and will eat to the point of
vomiting if allowed.>
A few other questions - I have the
Master Saltwater Test kit, which tests nitrates, nitrites,
ammonia and ph. What other tests should I purchase?
<Likely
Calcium and Phosphate. Would consider other brand names as
well... more here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/mtestbrands.htm
>
Since I am now using RO water exclusively, what kind of
buffers do I need or do I?
<pH/Alkalinity, Calcium more here
and related links in blue:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marphalk.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/alkalinity.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/caalkadds.htm >
Thanks
again!
<Welcome again!>
Happy fish keeping.
<And
to you! Mich>
Jackie | 
|
Hitchhiker ID: Polyplacophoran/Chiton – 10/10/07
Greetings
WWM Crew!
<Greetings, and good morning to you as well!>
I dug
through the hitchhiker ID's in the FAQ and didn't come across this
one (maybe I just missed him?). Pic is attached, came in with a
colony of zo's - he's a pretty mean looking guy, fuzzy with spikes
running down his back.
<It does look a bit intimidating, doesn’t
it? Heeee.. you can name him/her Spike! The good news is that this
is a neat little Polyplacophoran, or Chiton. They’re
herbivores/mostly algae grazers, reef safe, and nocturnal. I’d be
curious to find out where this little guy arrived from, as it looks
very similar to the species Cryptoplax striata (see this link for
comparison: http://fjas.nl/cryptoplstriata.htm ). Additional general
information here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/mollusca1.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/chitonfaqs.htm
I have one last link
for you because it’s just too great not to share. It’s a species
list with some terrific images of live Chitons:
http://fjas.nl/livingpolyplacophora.htm . Enjoy your new addition!>
Thanks! <You’re very welcome! –Lynn>
Dave
Hitchhiker ID: Polyplacophoran/Chiton Follow-up – 10/10/07
<Hi Dave!>
Thanks Lynn <My pleasure> - the one in that first link
you sent looks just like him. <Excellent. That's a pretty little
chiton.> Spike has been moved to a happy new home in our 150 gallon
live-rock sump - it's a lit sump, so lots of algae to graze on.
<Good to hear. Chitons graze on hard surfaces, so it sounds like
he’ll be fixed up.>
He came with some zo's from Fosters and
Smith, no idea where they originated.
<LOL Yep, no telling. Those
zo’s could have been in a holding tank with specimens from all over
the world. At any rate, it sounds like Spike’s got a nice new home!>
Cheers,
Dave
<Glad I could help. Take care - Lynn> | 
|
Cryptoplax, Chiton ID, aquarist input/help 9/25/07
Hi,
<Enrico>
Do not know, if you meanwhile solved the
identification of the Cryptoplax you found from a tank.
The species
is Cryptoplax burrowi. Compile a distribution database for chiton
species, so would be interested if you could provide detailed
data,
and if you came across other species.
<Mmm, what little WWM has re
Polyplacophorans is posted here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/chitonfaqs.htm>
Cheers, Enrico
<Danke,
Bob Fenner>
--
Enrico Schwabe
Zoological State Collection
Munich (ZSM)
Dep. Mollusca
Muenchhausenstrasse 21
D-81247
Muenchen
Germany
field of work: world-wide Polyplacophora (main
focus Indo-Pacific)
http://www.zsm.mwn.de
http://www.worldwideconchology.com/BaliChitons.html
Chiton Pix 9/12/07
Good afternoon,
<Now early morning.>
I know you guys like pictures.
<Yep... I like to take'em too!>
So how about some of my chiton buddies? They're really cool. My
invert-guru friend says that these ones are probably intertidal and
that's why they're not afraid to craw in and out of the tank.
<Heehee! Cool pics. These guys would likely become kitty toys in my
house!>
Sara M.
<Hey... aren't you part of the crew? ;) Mich> | |
Chiton... 7/31/07
Hi guys...
<Hi Jo, Mich here.>
Can you
please tell me if this guy is a Chiton...he's around 2inches long and
flattish...there's plenty of pics around of the shell side of these
critters, but none showing the mouth etc...I took him out of my tank
just in case he was a baddie, but if he's a goodie, he can return...
<Does look like a Chiton to me. More pics here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/chitonfaqs.htm or do a Google image search
using "Chiton" and "ventral".>
Thanking you...
<Welcome... Mich>
JO... |  
|
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